Welcome to the Spirit of Enterprise
The Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Springvale provided accommodation and comprehensive settlement services to more than 30,000 migrants and refugees from all over the world between 1970-1992. In 2007, a group of people came together to document the history of the Enterprise Migrant Hostel, for an exhibition at the Melbourne Immigration Museum. This exhibition is available for viewing on this website. Read More >>
Today, the Enterprise Migrant Hostel project is referred to as The Spirit of Enterprise as it has become obvious it is more than just an exhibition of a particular time in history. Rather it demonstrates how strong, cohesive, vibrant communities can be built when migrants and refugees are warmly welcomed through unique, innovative settlement programs based on welcome, support and respect. Hence the Spirit of Enterprise has become recognised as a project of National Significance. Read More >>
Celebratory Afternoon Tea
After the launch of the Springvale Street Marker an afternoon tea was held at the Springvale Neighbourhood House to celebrate all that had been achieved. Merle Mitchell spoke about the history of the project: Today we celebrate the achievements of a project which began as a small community project and grew into a project of national significance
Trail of Significant Sites
The Spirit of Enterprise Project is currently working on a Trail of Significant Sites, which include sites of organisations which played an important role in the settlement of the newcomers. All of these sites will have some form of public and physical acknowledgement of their importance to the eventual resettlement of many thousands of people.
Enterprise Tribute Garden
December 2012
The site of the former Enterprise Migrant Hostel has become the Lexington Gardens Retirement Village. With their support a Tribute Garden with 200 rose bushes, a large digiglass sculpture and a commemorative sea has been established. People asked that the garden be somewhere peaceful where they could bring their families and future generations to tell their stories. This became the start of the Spirit of Enterprise Trail of significant sites.
The Enterprise Rose
April 2012
The rose was a symbol of hope, safety and beauty for more than 30,000 immigrants and refugees who entered Australia through the Enterprise Migrant Hostel in Springvale.
Enterprise Community Consultation
June 2011
The Enterprise I'm Home report, and the process leading to its development, is the culmination of a number of initiatives designed to remember and honour the positive impacts of the Enterprise Hostel in Springvale.